Audi Reveals More Affordable E-Tron 50 With Smaller Battery, 186 Miles Of Range

Audi is expanding the E-Tron’s range with a second model that features a smaller battery pack and a more affordable price. The new E-Tron 50 Quattro will take its place underneath the existing 55 model in 2020, featuring a 71kWh battery pack instead of the 95kWh unit.

The smaller battery pack also means that the more affordable version of the Audi E-Tron can cover up to 186 miles (300 km) on a full charge per the WLTP standard, 55 miles less than the existing model, and is also lighter by around 120 kg (264 lbs).

The new entry-level version still features a pair of electric motors, but power is down to 308 HP and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, compared to the 402 HP and 490 lb-ft of the E-Tron 55. 0-62mph (100km/h) takes 7 seconds flat and top speed is electronically limited to 118 mph (189 km/h).

Also Read: Here’s All You Need To Know About Audi’s E-Tron Electric SUV

Audi says that, in order to achieve the highest efficiency possible, only the rear electric motor is used in most driving scenarios, with the front one activated when needed. The new base version of the E-Tron also comes with air suspension to ensure excellent stability and handling.

Compatibility with rapid charging remains, but the new E-Tron 50 can accept up to 120kW instead of the 150kW of the 55 and an 80 percent charge can be achieved in around 30 minutes. Customers will be offered an optional connect charging system with smart functions, such as off-peak hours charging for their homes.

Audi’s standard efficiency assistant helps the driver adopt a more economical driving style by showing predictive info on the digital instrument cluster. The system also uses the radar sensors, cameras, navigation data and Car-to-X info in order to detect the traffic environment and the route.

Production of the new base Audi E-Tron 50 Quattro is set to begin this year alongside the 55 model in the company’s factory in Belgium, with pricing details to be announced at a later date.